Zexi Li, ‘Freedom Convoy’ lawyers spar over use of the word ‘occupation’ in court

By Laura Osman, The Canadian Press on October 16, 2023.

OTTAWA – The woman who went to court to get an injunction against the “Freedom Convoy” last year repeatedly called the demonstration an “occupation,” to the exasperation of the protest organizers’ lawyers.

Zexi Li took the stand in the criminal trial of Tamara Lich and Chris Barber, who are accused mischief and counselling others to commit mischief, among other charges.

In her testimony, Li used the word occupation to describe the protest, in which big-rigs, trucks and large crowds of people blocked streets in downtown Ottawa for weeks.

Barber’s lawyer objected to her use of the word, calling it inflammatory.

Judge Heather Perkins-McVey told Li she would prefer her to use the words “protest” or “demonstration.”

Li is the lead plaintiff in a proposed class-action lawsuit against convoy organizers on behalf of downtown Ottawa residents, workers and business owners.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 16, 2023.

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